Hybrid schmybrid. From diesel burners to direct-injection gasoline engines, this current crop of efficiency stars has many hybrids shaking in their boots.

2012 Ford Mustang

2012 Ford Mustang

EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 19/31

Let's own up to a few truths here. First, long before the Toyota Prius, there were many people out there looking for fuel-efficient autos. Second, hybrids are not a perfect or permanent solution. From the costs (environmental and otherwise) of mining raw materials for hybrid batteries to their codependent relationship with the internal combustion engine, there's an argument to be made that a great conventional engine is a better option for drivers seeking to use less fuel. And third, performance and mpg are not, in fact, diametrically opposed.

Take the Mustang. We start our list here of nonhybrid fuel sippers here because the Ford is the coolest, and because it's the easiest for hybrid devotees to dismiss. Yes, it's a 305-hp pony car, and yes, 19 mpg in the city isn't anything to brag about. But 31 highway? Out of a V-6 that chucks more than 300 horses? If your commute involves some highway time, you owe it to yourself to consider the Mustang. Efficiency has rarely been more fun.

2012 Smart Fortwo

2012 Smart Fortwo

EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 33/41

Happy now, enviro-geeks? Yes, the Smart two-seater is once again one of the great fuel economy cars available. The Fortwo's wee 1-liter 3-cylinder asks for premium fuel but makes the most of it; topping 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway is no small feat (sorry, had to). The pint-sized Smart doesn't make sense for everybody, and those who need a cruiser are going to look in other directions. But for city/suburb dwellers craving something different, the Fortwo is worth looking into.